HWH Jack Won't Retract

golden · 09-17-2011, 02:30 PM

Yes, I've read the other threads over the years about non-retracting jacks. However, I can't find an answer to help me - and it is Saturday afternoon with no one open.

My left rear HWH jack won't retract. I just got back from a 5,000 mile trip where they all worked perfectly. I checked my manual but the description and pictures aren't my system. For example, there is no T valve to twist.

Oh, did I mention that I'm DEFINITELY not mechanically inclined??

I tried to pry up the back jack but that didn't do a thing.

Any help to someone you would have to dumb down the answer for?

paz · 09-17-2011, 02:51 PM

On our jacks, the 2 larger solenoids for the rear jacks have T-handles, the 2 smaller ones for the front do not. You apparently have a different model that has no T-handles. For solenoids without T-handles, there is a hex nut on the back of the solenoid with a little ball on it. Remove the filler cap for the reservoir (hex-shaped, near the solenoids). The bottom side of the cap has a hex socket that fits the nut on the back of the solenoid. Use the cap to back off the pressure relief nut. The manual for our jacks says do not back the nut off more than 4 1/2 turns.

If you have to climb under the coach to get to your reservoir, be very careful when you release the pressure - the coach may drop significantly depending on how high you had to raise the jacks to get level.

Steve N Sal · 09-17-2011, 03:04 PM

Your jack system probably doesn't have the "T" handles on the solenoids. You will need a 1/4 " socket on the end of the solenoid that controls that jack. Open it up about 2-3 turns maybe a bit more and see if the jack retracks by itself. If it doesn't you should now with that solenoid open pry it up with a 2 x 4 or some sort of leverage mechanism you may have. Good luck that should at least get it back up for you.

Brigadoon · 09-17-2011, 03:48 PM

Did you have the system turned on and the store button pushed when you attempted to assist the jack to retract? If not, you will have no success.

FleetMan · 09-17-2011, 08:32 PM

If you have the small solenoids for your jacks RECHECK the manual. Some places say to back that 1/4" nut off 4 1/2 turns, others say no more than 1/2 turn. Mine was configured with two larger "T" handle solenoids for the rear jacks and two of the smaller solenoids with the brass nut for the front jacks. 4 1/2 turns snapped the nut and shaft off both with almost no resistance and ruined the solenoid. (Fortunately HWH replaced them with the "T" handle version at no cost to me. I was still under warranty and was able to get to the factory for repairs.) I had one problem jack that just would not retract, even with the solenoids opened manually. I finally got the problem jack to retract by "cracking" the hydraulic line at the manifold, messy but it worked.